New rule: Not predicting MLS Reserve League games anymore. That just adds another layer of mystery to this already challenging endeavor.

I’ve tried my hand at predicting thingsbefore, but it’s becoming clear USL Pro will set the pace when it comes to swerves and unexpected outcomes. Let’s have at it again, shall we?

(Last week: 2-5; overall 6-8)

Saturday

Harrisburg 2, Dayton 0: The City Islanders keep the good vibes rolling and beat a Dayton team that still has not won at home. The potential loss of Aaron Schoenfeld, who might have been recalled by Columbus this week, means the Dutch Lions would be without the man who has provided 60 percent of their goals.

Richmond 2, Sacramento 1: In expansion Republic FC’s most important test of the season, the Kickers show why they continue to be one of the banner carriers for the league.

Orlando 2, Wilmington 1: Same premise as last week: Wilmington plays Orlando tough and is dangerous on the road, but I can’t muster the courage to pick against a team that’s gone almost a year without dropping a USL Pro match.

Charlotte 2, Charleston 0: Charleston is struggling…mightily. The Battery has dropped two straight by a total of 7-2. One of those was a 3-1 loss to Charlotte. I expect the Eagles to bounce back after losing to Dayton last week.

Oklahoma City 3, Pittsburgh 1: Energy FC is on a seven match unbeaten streak and gets to feast against the bottom two teams in the league at home for the next week. It starts with defeating the Riverhounds.

Arizona 3, Orange County 2: United blew a 2-0 lead in the last meeting between these two teams a few weeks ago. Arizona has been abysmal on the road (a league-worst -8 goal differential), but something has to give sometime, right? Right?

Submit Your Comments

Name

Required

Mail

Required, will not be published

Website

Comment

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

About This Blog

I am Vince Nairn, coming to the StarNews after spending the first 24 years of my life in Ohio. I interned at the StarNews in 2010 and enjoyed a summer covering rugby, surfing, triathlons: The whole package. I grew up a few miles west of Cleveland and graduated from Ohio University (the Bobcats, not the Buckeyes) in 2011. I am here to be your point man for all the community sports in the Wilmington area. Email me at Vince.Nairn@starnewsonline.com.

Tom Grady has been the StarNews Hammerheads beat writer since the 2002 USL season. He’s followed the Second Division club through two appearances in the national championship game and the 2003 title.

Kick your way back here often for updates on Wilmington’s professional soccer team.